Monday, January 25, 2016

Today's Special - - Madeline Martin


I'm delighted to welcome historical romance writer Madeline Martin to The Romance Dish today. A 2015 debut author, Madeline now has three published books under her belt. Her latest, Enchantment of  Highlander was released last week and is another winner. I've enjoyed all three books and am excited to see what she brings us next. When Madeline isn't busy writing, working or mothering, she can often be found, as she puts it, "engaging in workouts that keep my life exciting." She has completed a 50 mile mountain bike ride and annually runs a local 10k mud run to support MS research. You can find Madeline online at the following locations:

Twitter (@MadelineMMartin) 
Facebook  http://on.fb.me/1ByLMIy  
Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12062937.Madeline_Martin

Please give Madeline a warm welcome!



Almost every time I ask my readers what they want to know, I get requests to know more about me and my daily life as an author. Well, prepare to be entirely underwhelmed by the daily life of this writer.  (Warning: contains no glamor)


Before we can get into it, I have to introduce the cast of characters:

Me – I’m heating up the Highlands with my Scottish set historical romance. I love my minions, Mr. Awesome and all the goofy fun we have together. I’m president of my local writing chapter, First Coast Romance Writers, and love to bring authors and readers together with my weekly giveaway on my FB page, Free Book Friday (https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor)





















Mr. Awesome – He helps me mitigate the crazy and has an incredible ability to keep me from going all Chicken Little when schedules get tight. I swear the man has the patience of a saint and is my personal hero.















OldestMinion – A sweetheart with an artist’s soul and a penchant for starting fights with her younger sister. No, I have not given in to the temptation to let them death match it out. Yet.


















YoungestMinion – A hard core Momma’s girl (she’s asked if she can go back in my stomach so we can be together all the time – I know, creepy cute, right?) who thinks her sister is a goddess among men and has more sass than I can sometimes handle.









Now – a typical day:

4:30AM: Wake up and hit start on my beloved Keurig. Correction: Fill Keurig (because those things are always empty) then hit start.

4:33AM: Write/Edit

6:00AM: Present minions with ten and five minute wake-up warnings before sweetly luring them from bed with breakfast. That failing, issue warnings until they finally acquiesce and come downstairs.

7:30AM: Drop off minions at school and go to corporate America job where I pull report with SQL code and make pretty charts in Excel. On my breaks, I reply to FB posts, e-mails and make a to do list for the evening.

11:30AM: Go to the gym. Sometimes the A/C is broken, but that just means I sweat out more toxins,
right??? (Note: If I’m behind on my writing/editing schedule, I’ll do that on my lunch break instead)

4:30PM: Get off work and collect the minions from school before honorably (ie: refraining from cussing) fight through traffic to get home.

5:00PM: Make dinner and help the minions with homework while researching said homework (PS Common Core, I hate you)

6:30PM: Eat dinner together as a family, because I will always believe in the value of that.

8:00PM: Tuck the minions into bed with back scratches, songs and kisses. Then while Mr. Awesome reads them a book (cuz he really is that awesome), I catch up on that to do list I made earlier.

9:00PM: Meet up online with other writers for writing/editing sprints.

10:00PM: Spend quality time with Mr. Awesome and usually head to bed around 11 or so to do it all again the next day.

Friday nights we do Family Fun Nights, which usually consists of a variety of any of the following items: dance-a-thons, junk food, board games, family friendly movies we can all enjoy (Barbie not included – my brain will automatically reject any Barbie movie)

Confession: I remember(ish) almost everything for home and work and school and writing and family with a confetti of post it notes scattered around my world and detailed, color-coded excel spreadsheets. Included in this is a weekly goal spreadsheet where I track what needs to be done in all aspects of my life to ensure what’s important stays forefront.

In between all the times listed above is a bunch of snuggles, kisses, crazy jokes, random silliness and showers (because while I didn’t list it, I swear I do make time to take a shower every day).

Yes, it is a busy schedule, but it’s one I happily do as it’s filled with love and all my dreams come true. 

Readers, tell us about your typical day. Or tell us about your favorite kind of historical romance. 

Do you enjoy highland romances? Madeline writes highlander heroes worth swooning over! 

I have a signed, print copy of Madeline's second book, Possession of  Highlander for one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's post. (U.S. addresses only)


Alec MacLean returns home after a decade to find his recently deceased father has let his inheritance fall to ruin. As the new laird, it’s Alec’s responsibility to rebuild the castle and restore the lands. He must also regain the people’s trust after having abandoned them so long ago, a feat not easily done when he fears he’s plagued with the same darkness as his father. 

Celia escaped the North Berwick witch trials at a young age, surviving because of the sacrifice of her beloved caretaker. She’s made a life for herself in the wilds of Scotland where no laird rules, a life where she heals for coin, a life without love so she can never feel the hurt of loss again. 

When the new laird comes back to claim his land, his determination to restore order threatens everything Celia has worked so hard to gain, especially with the undeniable attraction sizzling between them. Together, they will face all challenges, from the tangle of their own damaged pasts to the fire-fueled witch hunts sweeping the Isle of Mull. Together, they will find that the best way to overcome darkness and war is through the undeniable light of love.

40 comments:

  1. I'm exhauste reading Madeline's day schedule. lol It brought me back to when my 7 kids were still kids. From 5 am till I dropped at whatever time. Don't forget the lunches, laundry etc thrown in. :) My kids all have their own families now so that leaves me with 24 hours of me time and I spend it with a book in my hands and love every minute and every page. Scottish Highlander Romance is my favorite genre.I can't wait to read Enchantment Of A Highlander. Thanks for the post and giveaway.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. I've enjoyed all three of Madeline's books, Carol. They do not need to be read in order.

      I look back on my full-time, corporate world, working years and wonder how I managed to fit everything into a day and still have time to read!

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    2. LOL - kids definitely do add a lot of time filler to days :) But so worth it. :) It must be wonderful to get to enjoy your children's families now (and have some quiet time for you too) :)

      Thank you, Carol!

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    3. And thank you so much, PJ for having me here today and for the wonderful things you've said about my books. I'm so glad you've enjoyed them!!!

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  2. We are empty nesters now. So the early morning and fighting traffic is very rare these days. Husband works from home. Occasionally, he travels for work. Or if we are traveling for fun. Those are really the only times we fight traffic these days. ;-)

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    1. We are empty nesters now. So the early morning and fighting traffic is very rare these days.

      Isn't that lovely, Lisa? I do not miss those rush hours!

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    2. I was thinking the same thing - I'd LOVE to lose the morning traffic grind for sure! :) Thank you so much for coming by and commenting, Lisa :)

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  3. Up at 5:15. Run the dogs out to do their thing while I start getting ready. 5:30 et them back in and continue getting ready. If hubby is home make sure he is up. Make coffee for him, tea for me. Kennel dogs and out the house by 6:15 to avoid busses. Work by 6:40 where I play environmental type person. Off at 4, then home to save hubby from the dogs if he's home. Hubby cooks when he's home and not working out of town. If not I tend to eat light. Read or watch TV while I mess around the house I some way then do it all over again.
    I like Scottish historical as I've always loved the country.

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    1. How nice that you have a cooking hubby! I had one of those during my corporate working years and it was heavenly!

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  4. Highland Romances are extremely appealing because of the historical aspect, the locale and the men. I would love to rad this novel. My day starts early with tea, then walk, babysit if needed, various appointments and always cooking, cleaning and reading much later.

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    1. I love Madeline's Highlander men!

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    2. Thank you so much, ladies! I'm quite fond of those hot Highlanders myself for sure! :) That sounds like a lovely start to the day :) Thank you for coming by!

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  5. Historicals are my favorite since they transport me to another realm, era, and locale and are meaningful and enthralling. Especially World War 11 historical romances. Highlanders are real men with courage, strength and conviction. My day is filled with tasks like dog sitting, babysitting for the little ones and many more involved and interesting responsibilities.

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    1. I like WWII romances too, petite.

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    2. I adore historical romance too :) That's sweet that you're so helpful with dog sitting and babysitting - I'm sure that is very appreciated. Thank you so much for coming by today!

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  6. Actually, medievals are my favorite and anything having to do with highlanders so this sounds like a wonderful read to me and something I'd surely enjoy. She is a new author for me but it's always fun to find new authors!!

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    1. Catslady, I highly recommend all three of Madeline's highlander novels. They are part of a trilogy but don't have to be read in order. Like you, I'm a long-time fan of medieval romance!

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    2. And we always so love to be found by new readers (especially cat lovers - I LOVE cats!!)

      Thank you so much, PJ :)

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  7. Work has gotten hectic with me covering shifts for a couple of positions in the company until we have hired and trained others for them. I rise at 5am and start coffee, heat leftovers for breakfast and pack some for lunch, dress, eat and then head out the door for work by 5:30am. Arrive at work at 5:45am and dive into working the shift, redirecting or asking people to delay questions and requests for my normal position until I am relieved from the morning position. Around noon go through paperwork of my regular work and make phone calls, get clarification faxes out and generally coordinate our clients with what they need. Leave for home around 6pm depending on any unexpected emergencies having popped up in the day. Am grateful that my husband often has time to cook but if not then scrounge night ensues with a rummage through the fridge to make sure that son and we are fed. Chat with family, shower, surf internet, read and try to be in bed by 11pm or midnight. Rinse and repeat.
    Love highlander romances.
    Lil

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    1. Sounds like you've got quite a hectic schedule as well. That really is so nice that your husband is able to get dinner together for you all :) Those little thing really make such a big difference. :) Thank you for coming by today!

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  8. Hello Immersion-Grad Madeline!

    Loved your fun style of sharing your day. Your blog has fun and twists and is written well, just like your books!

    I've had the awesome experience of meeting Mr. Awesome, and your sweet and cool girls. Share hugs with all!

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    1. Aw, Margie - that was SO sweet of you to come by today - thank you for doing that. And we all adore you! :) I hope you're having a wonderful 2016!

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  9. I really enjoy Highlander romances. My favorite types of historical romance are Highlanders, Regency England, and Westerns.

    Now that my husband and I are retired and empty-nesters, our lives are not as busy and hectic as they used to be. I don't think I could handle that old crazy schedule any more! We manage to live at a slower pace now, but we still keep plenty busy. Each day is different.

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    1. I love Highlander romances too!! I'm actually listening to Outlander on audible now and falling in love with it all over again. :) My dad is getting ready to retire and is excited for that 'each day is different' mentality. Sounds like you're enjoying it, which is fabulous - you've earned it!

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  10. Just reading your schedule wore me out. I love reading the medieval period up to about 1880. I especially love Highland romances. Madeline is a new author for me.

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    1. LOL - yeah, it wears me out too Hahaha :) It's so nice to meet you, Cathy - thank you for stopping by and reading my post :)

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  11. Being a parent is a full time job in itself, especially when the kids are younger, so to have a full time job on top of that plus writing must be exhausting! I'm only responsible for myself but new things are always popping up. Had 30 inches of snow to deal with this weekend, then found a dripping pipe in the basement this morning. So just when you thing things are on schedule more to do pops up.

    I do adore Highland romances and would love to swoon over Madeline's hero!

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    1. Di, thank you so much for coming by :) I was a single mom for several years and that was truly insane to keep up with along with everything else. Now my boyfriend is wonderful and really steps up to help. It makes a WORLD of a difference.

      That is a LOT of snow! Ugh, I'm so sorry hear about your pipe. I hope it's nothing too serious (AKA expensive).

      Thank you!! :)

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  12. I admire you for being an early bird to writing.

    Denise

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    1. Thank you, Denise :) And I appreciate you coming by :)

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  13. Goodness me, where on earth do you get your energy from? I felt extremely tired just reading about your day. Your books sound amazing. I love reading about those hunky Highlanders, and I also love to find new Authors.

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    1. Honestly, I pull my energy from my passion to write. If I sacrificed those early mornings and late nights writing, I wouldn't have the time to write - or, I'd have to sacrifice my time with my minions to write - and I could never do that <3

      Thank you for coming by, Diane! :)

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  14. Your day sounds like mine used to. Only add in carting kids around to sporting events. I like that you sit down to dinner as a family. That was something I insisted on. Kids will appreciate it when they get older. We are empty nesters. No schedule to follow except on days that there are doctors appointments. More time to read. Love a good Highland book with hunky guys in kilts.

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    1. We haven't started the carting around yet. We USED to have a bunch of extra things after school, but homework got so overwhelming, we just can't fit it into the schedule anymore.

      It sounds like your kids really do appreciate everything you did for them (which also says a lot about you as a mother) :) Enjoy the quiet time - you've definitely earned it.

      Thank you, Pamela! :)

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  15. I remember the days of rough & tough schedules and bussing kids around to school and lessons for this and that. Hubby and I had six of them! But I retired in 2010 and the only baby we have at home is a five-year-old Yorkie named Maggie Dearest. My schedule doesn't amount to much anymore, but I read a lot, play with Maggie and take care of hubby who is in poor health. My reading relaxes me and helps me sleep well at night and is a welcome break a couple of times a day. And my faves are Highland romances. I've purchased all three of yours, Madeline, haven't started reading them yet, but am looking forward to that...a lot! Thanks for this post and your lifestyle sharing. jdh2690@gmail.com

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  16. Janice - wow six kids! I can't even imagine how busy you must have been!! :) Aw, I bet Maggie is a VERY loved little Yorkie <3 :) I'm sorry to hear your husband has been in poor healthy, but am glad you have the ability to be able to spend a lot of time with him and help take care of him.

    You're so sweet - thank you so much! I hope you enjoy them :)

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  17. How can you not love a man in a kilt???

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  18. Highlanders are my favorite guys to read about!

    Charlene
    charlene.fraley@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by, Charlene - me too!

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